Chapter 17
Defiance
The next day, posters were everywhere, on every wall, every post, every doorframe. To the Prince! To the Prince! Come to the place where the roses are sent to the wind when the night is deepest. The world revolution rests on your shoulders. Students looked on, staring at them.
"What could they mean?"
"Who is this Prince?"
"Why is someone looking for him here?"
Nemo could hardly care less what a little hype was about, walking through the hall, followed by another young man, Ryan. They were heading for class as Saionji hurried up to them, a look of urgency on his face.
"Nemo, I need to speak to you urgently." He was very agitated, looking at his friend.
"What's the matter, Saionji?" His voice was calm to the point of being unconcerned.
"Some men took Utena aboard a ship last night!" Nearly beside himself, Saionji grabbed Nemo's shoulders and shook him vigorously.
"What!? Are you sure, Saionji?" Alarmed, Nemo's eyes reflected horror and rage at what he was being told.
"I'm positive. At first I thought it was just a bundle of some sort, but then it started to move, and I could clearly hear Utena shouting through the bag." The seriousness of Saionji's expression finally convinced Nemo he was telling the truth.
"How do we find out what they did with her?" He asked, a growl in his voice.
"Um, Nemo?" Ryan spoke up from behind them. They both turned to look at him as he read a stray flier that fell from the board.
"What is it, Ryan?" They both came over to look at the writing on the paper. Below the words, the crest of a Wolf's head sat, crowned and flanked by hundreds of spears. Recognition flashed in Nemo's eyes as he looked over the message, rage building within his chest.
"So, they would use her as bait for a trap." The burning within his chest grew brighter, the flame turning into a raging inferno.
"You can't possibly consider going!" Saionji objected, trying to talk some sense into him.
Looking up at Saionji, he answered. "They want the Prince Lost to the Sea, and won't give up until they have him. If there is any way to save her, we have to go." Turning to Ryan, Nemo gave him a quick command. "Call Ragnarok, tell him we are going to meet the King's demand, before anything else befalls her."
As they headed on to class, a dark bird watched from the window. Seeing them leave, it fluttered off into the air, landing in a tree near the door. Edric smiled as he walked into the academy. Heading off down a long, empty hall, he laughed silently. It was no wonder they couldn't ever find his prey's heart through the mirrors, because he had no name. Nemo, a very cleaver ruse, my Prince! But now we have you, and I don't think your father will let you escape again!
***
Utena glared defiantly as they pulled the top of the bag down around her shoulders, her eyes meeting those of her kidnapper. They were in a secure wood room, the floor gently rocking beneath them. The old man, now clothed in a royal raiment, stood before her. His eyes reflected softness and warmth, but underneath, were as cold as steel. Behind him, Conall stood firmly, a look of undisguised pleasure showing openly upon his face.
"I am pleased you could join us, miss Utena Tenjou. We were beginning to think you would go back on the words your parents gave when they promised you to my son." Smiling with all the warmth of a predator looking upon its prey, he patted her head.
"Keep your hands off me, you slime!" She whispered firmly.
"Such a strong willed girl! Even after all you've been put through, you're still resisting both my will, and your inevitable fate. Can you really not understand that you are destined to marry my son? That soon enough, my kingdom will take the last of the Tenjou into its number?" He grinned ruthlessly, smacking her hard across the cheek. "You silly child, your line will end with you, and mine will be made stronger for the power you possess!"
Conall, emboldened by his father's cruelty, stepped up to her. He kicked at her stomach, laughing to himself, his voice resounding with pride. "You heard my father. Soon you will be my bride, and nothing more. So bow to your new husband, woman!"
Doubled over by his kick, Utena curled, then sprang within the bag, forcefully ramming her head into his gut. Winded, Conall reeled back, breathing heavily to regain himself. "I am not your bride nor your pet! If you need any proof, let me out of this bag and I'll show you!"
"You may not want to do that just yet, my dear." The King said, a faint smirk on his lips. "We took the liberty of relieving you of your nightgown. That bag is the only thing keeping you decent. If you want to come out, by all means, but it is hardly appropriate for a girl of your station."
Embarrassed and angry, she scooted herself into the corner of the room, watching her tormentors. "You won't get away with this, I promise you."
"You are hardly in a position to make threats, young lady. Besides, who is going to save you? No one knows where you are, and your friends are being led into a trap. Soon enough, you will be alone in this world again, then I shall take great pleasure in breaking you." The King mocked as he turned and strode out the door, followed by Conall, who grinned lecherously at the vulnerable girl.
"Just you wait! I'll have my way with you. Hahahahaha!"
Utena waited until the door closed, covering her in darkness. She rose out of the bag, keeping it wrapped about her as she tested the door. It was firmly locked, and the room was bare of anything useful. Pulling back into the protective bag, she started wracking her brain, seeking answers in the darkness. No matter how she looked at it, the King's plan stood in the way of any hope, her destiny seemed to close around her. As the sea sloshed, sharks dove upon the fish that swam near the shores, consuming them in clouds of blood. Slowly, Utena started to shiver, the fear of finally being alone settling on her heart.
"I'm sorry." She whispered into the silent darkness, an apology to her friends. "I can't be a Prince. I don't know how to save you." She could not see the other occupant of the room, a small pink haired girl, who sat next to her, watching the door for her friend.
***
The Student Body Council had not met in some time, and it seemed as if End of the World was no longer interested in his game. Touga smiled as he contemplated all the changes that had come about since the return of Utena. The others came out from the elevator, one by one, their umbrellas held over them. Juri, Miki, Kozue, and Nanami, each taking a seat upon a hastily placed blanket Mitsuru had been carrying.
He couldn't quite describe how, but Touga was getting better and better at feeling the presence of others. He could identify them by such subtle things, their breath rate, the space between their foot falls, the way they turned or paused.
Cutting short his reminiscence, he turned to face them, opening his sightless eyes for dramatic effect. He gazed falsely about at them, a grim expression showing his concern for what he had heard.
"As you all know, someone has issued a challenge to a Prince at the Dueling Arena tonight. We must be prepared for this threat." He announced, his voice carrying with it the portents of doom.
"I agree. With all the escalation of problems we have had recently, it only makes sense that we investigate what is truly going." Miki said, looking away from the chalkboard where he was solving a massive equation. "If we don't act in accordance with the risk, we will sacrifice our right to affect the outcome of these events."
"Even so, we must be wary of what we might be stepping into." Juri replied from her seat. "These people have sent out a threat generally, meaning they have no idea who they're targeting, or how to contact them in any way. For them to make such a bold action, they are taking a very serious risk. Their reasons have to be equally desperate, or confident."
"Then shouldn't we all go together? It would be better if we met this threat as a group, instead of individually." Miki's words drew nods from the other members of the council.
"Then if we all agree, let us face this threat tonight, and settle our score once and for all." Touga feigned looking at each of them once again. "Dismissed."
As they began walking away, Juri came up next to him. "Are you confident in your ability to face an enemy while blind?"
He smiled at her. "We'll just have to see, now won't me."
***
A knock sounded at the door of the main cabin. Sitting up from his chair, the King looked over at the entryway. "What is it?" He called, his voice no longer soft or kingly, but rough and annoyed.
"Father, my men have set up their traps, and we are ready to go." Conall said levelly from the other side of the doorway.
"Very well, I will be out in a minute." Drawing his fine cape about his shoulders, the King rose from his seat, walking over to the cabinet. A thin smile drew upon his face as he opened the glass case, taking from it a flawless sword. Its long nimble blade shone like a mirror, reflecting the King's image in its unscathed surface. A cross tree hilt studded with obsidian orbs set along it shone like black gold, and the pommel emblazoned with the head of a dragon in silver ended the masterpiece.
He stroked the blade tenderly as he drew it from its case, thumbing a strange switch on the handgrip as he did. A small blade, slightly wider than a needle, with an unnatural glint to it thrust suddenly from the dragon's maw, pointing away from the blade. His smile turned to a malicious grin at the thought of using the deadly instrument upon his former son, who could not help but rise to the bait of his trap.
Stepping out of the cabin, he looked about at the bustling men, each wearing a black coat and a tricorn hat. They came to either side of Conall, who began walking the gangplank down to the dockside. Out of the corner of his eye, the King spotted Edric, standing at the edge of the dock, waiting to join Conall upon his approach.
"My son's pet, hmm. He will have to be dealt with after we are done retrieving the Princess and killing my bastard son." Stepping after the men, he nodded as a pair of shadows stepped into his wake, nearly invisible against the growing night.
None of them noticed another figure on the docks, however, which immediately scurried up the gangplank as they walked off. The little blue crossbreed watched as the troop headed into the city, then turned its attention to the ship.
Scurrying down the stair leading to the hold, it followed the dark passages, stopping long enough to climb up each door, peering through the keyholes. Nearing the end of the hall, it paused at one lock, then began squealing excitedly. "Chu! Chu! Chu!"
Utena looked wearily up from where she lay, staring at the door. Suddenly the lock clicked, putting her on her guard. Chu Chu squeaked with strain as he pushed open the door enough to hurry in on all fours, making his way up to his lady's best friend. Pulling out a small cloth, he put it on Utena's hand.
"Chu Chu? How did you get in here?" She asked.
Chu Chu began gesturing wildly at her. "Chu chu! Chew chu chu cheaaw!"
"I don't have any clothes though." She responded to his squeaks. He motioned to the little scrap of blue cloth on her hand. "Thanks but, its not quite enough..."
"Don't worry, miss Utena, I brought more for you." A familiar voice came from the door.
"Anthy." Utena looked up at her old friend, squinting at the light.
Anthy walked in, setting down a set of Utena's clothing. She rose politely, stepping back a few paces. Utena was suddenly flooded with emotion again, but this time, she fought to keep it down.
"Thank you, Anthy. I wasn't sure what would happen to me."
"You're welcome." She remained standing in the doorway, watching Utena intently.
"Uh Anthy, would you mind turning around?" Utena's cheeks flushed a little at her friend's gaze. Turning away, she smiled. Utena would always be Utena, no matter what she did, Anthy thought.
Rising from the bag, Utena hastily donned her clothing. "We need to hurry, they have some kind of trap set up for the others." She said, struggling to put on her shoe as she balanced on one leg.
"They're going to the Forest Dueling Arena." Anthy replied, a ring of trepidation in her voice. "They set up some kind of strange magic there earlier."
Utena thought for a moment. "I'll need a sword, and perhaps a faster way of getting there. Will you be coming with me, Anthy?"
Looking down, Anthy seemed to become lost in thought. Echoes of her past, the darkness of her sin filled her. Look at you, trying to justify what you've done in your mind! The cruel voice of her darker half mocked. She doesn't need your help, and doesn't want you around! Why don't you just run and get this pitiful display overwith? Save yourself from your shame, and run as far as you can! You are a witch after all, and have no right to happiness for your sin! Anthy began to shake slightly, her will failing against the dark voice of her own soul. That's right, flee! Flee like the rat you are, and drown your sin in tears! Silence reigned for several seconds. Anthy fidgeted, straining against her own heart as it taunted her to escape.
Utena leaned closer, trying to see Anthy's face under the long purple hair that hung in front of her. Tears fell from her friend's watery eyes, sorrowful tears of regret. She began to shake fearfully. A strand of string began to break, fraying in the middle, each individual thread snapping one by one.
"Anthy." Utena's voice was soft and loving.
"Yes?" Anthy replied, her voice almost silent.
"It's alright, you don't have to cry anymore. I forgive you." Utena hugged her friend warmly, drawing her back up. The voice that had grown so strong in Anthy's mind suddenly silenced, and she found herself staring up at Utena, who simply smiled.
"But how? After all that I did? After how I hurt you? It doesn't make sense for you to just forgive me." The dream came rushing back to her, of Utena laying on her bed smiling, just like she was now. Not a cruel, cold, manipulative smile, or a lust filled, passionate smile like Akio's, but the smile of a friend who really cared. The smile of someone who would give their life for those they loved.
"I guess that's the funny thing about forgiveness, it doesn't have to make sense. But if you love someone enough, nothing is impossible." Utena's voice filled Anthy with hope and tears, overwhelmed by the sense of joy that filled her. Minutes passed by as they stood, Anthy letting her feelings flow out, her tears of joy falling like the rain outside. She wanted to stay there, wrapped in that warm feeling of friendship, that love Utena gave despite everything, forever. Something deep inside her screamed as the spirit of the witch was locked away in her heart, its power to create the facade of the Rose Bride, its power to control the destiny of the young girl, sealed away. For the first time she could remember, ever since before her brother had abandoned her, Anthy was truly happy.
***
The sound of hooves clattered along the dock, as two of the carriage horses raced towards the Forest Dueling Arena. Utena and Anthy rode side by side, a sword on Utena's hip, and Chu Chu sitting firmly on Anthy's shoulder.
Utena's mind raced at the thought of what might have happened. He didn't say what kind of trap it was, but he took all his men with him. Maybe we'll make it, we have to. She thought about her friends, Touga, Saionji, Miki, Juri, Mitsuru, Nanami, and Nemo, who were all heading to rescue her. She would not fail them, not even if it meant dying to succeed. Standing upon the ship, watching them ride away, friends again, the little pink haired girl smiled.